Charlestown: Fife Council again postpone work at The Cairns

After years of complaints from locals, Fife Council agreed to spend money on removing an area of grass and creating an extra 16 spaces at The Cairns.

Earlier this year councillors expressed frustration at the lack of progress, the job was delayed as workers were too busy fixing roads, and last week they were told the project had stalled again.

The council's Ian Jones said: "Unfortunately due to commitments within our service to maintaining the roads, and given the backlog of potholes we had at the time, this work had been postponed until resources were available.

"We hoped to be starting this work in October.

"Unfortunately that has been put back again as we're still committing large amounts of resources to road repairs and maintaining the road network."

Councillor Brian Goodall had previously hit out at the delays to the project in Charlestown. (Image: Fife Council)

Cars parked along the semi-circular street at The Cairns have created access issues, making it particularly difficult for larger vehicles, such as emergency vehicles or those delivering online shopping, to get through.

A petition signed by 28 residents called on the council to come up with a solution and in February 2022, two options were put forward.

The cheaper proposal, to remove an area of grass and create 16 new spaces, was supported by villagers and councillors.

Initially it was suggested that residents may have to contribute to the cost but that was later ruled out with the council picking up the tab.

Mr Jones told the South and West Fife area committee last week that the work, which will take up to four weeks, is now due to start on February 12, 2024.

He added: "I can only apologise for the inconvenience, delays and frustration caused but unfortunately it's down to available resources and when we can fit this project in, which is not part of our base workload."

Councillor Brian Goodall said: "It's a shame it's taken so long. I totally understand it's an additional element of work you're being asked to do but it's great we have this firm date to go back to residents with."

Asked if he envisaged any further delays, Mr Jones replied: "We could have a Beast from the East, we could have floods that we've had in various years, and that can detract from resources and puts a backlog onto other workloads.

"We'll endeavour to get it done in that timescale, that's all I can say at this stage. I don't have a crystal ball to say what kind of winter we're going to have."